Linecasting control system



Jan. 24, 1967 .1. E. KLEBOE ET AL 3,300,034

LINECASTING CONTROL SYSTEM Filed July 12, 1965 9 Sheets-Sheet 1 'mmWWW[1 7727/76 egg Jan. 24, 1967 KLEBOE ET AL 3,300,034

LINECASTING CONTROL SYSTEM Filed July 12, 1965 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 Jam!-1967 J. E. KLEBOE ET AL 3,300,034

LINECASTING CONTROL SYSTEM J. E. KLEBOE ET AL 3,300,034

LINECASTING CONTROL SYSTEM Jan. 24, 1967 Filed July 12, 19 65 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 ommm MES. Pmzoomam uw wxw E3 vsmnm 32.6 0

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United States Patent() 3,300,034 LINECASTKNG CONTROL SYSTEM John E.Klehoe, Chicago, and Martin E. Rum/an, Riverdale, Iil., assignors to R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company, a corporation of Delaware Filed July 12,1965, Ser. No. 471,070 37 Claims. (Cl. 199-11) This invention relates toa control system for a line casting machine, and more particularly to acontrol system which causes a line casting machine to operate in amodified manner when an error is detected in a line of matrixesassembled by the machine.

As is well known in the art, a line casting machine which assembles aline of character carrying matrixes and casts a slug of type from theassembled line may be controlled either manually by an operator orautomatically by a punched program tape. When controlled automatically,a tape reader converts punched information on a paper tape into aplurality of signals which are coupled to inputs of a decoder unit. Theoutput of the decoder controls solenoids which actuate the matrixrelease mechanism of the line casting machine.

Matrixes representative of characters are released from a magazinestorage area in response to the selection of a character by theautomatic or manual depression of a key. An assembled line of matrixesmay have a variety of errors which are not detected until proofs of thecast type are prepared.

Some attempts have been made to provide a malfunction detector for aline casting machine. .Typical systems have projected photobeams acrossthe path of released matrixes in order to provide a parity, i.e.,numerical, check on the machine. If the number of keys depressed is notequal to the number of matrixes released by the machine, an error signalis generatedfor shutting down the machine. A parity check merelyindicate when a matrix is missing, or an extra matrix is released by themachine.

There are many other causes of errors which cannot be detected by asimple parity check. For example, a relatively common type of erroroccurs when a matrix is stored in the wrong channel in the storagemagazine. When the character corresponding to that channel is selected,the wrong matrix is released by the machine. A similar error alsoresults when a matrix is released from the wrong magazine.

Many other errors are possible, even when the correct matrix isselected. For example, the assembling mechanism may transpose the orderof the matrixes, or assemble a spaceband in the wrong position. Evenwhen the correct matrix is located in the correct position, the wrongrail may be aligned by the assembling mechanism.

Although a line of matrixes may be assembled with an error, this doesnot indicate that the line casting machine is seriously malfunctioning.To shut down the machine when a single error is detected is unnecessarysince the machine will in most instances reassemble the line correctly,if given a chance. For example, it is not uncommon for the distributingmechanism to drop a matrix into a storage channel for matrixes of adifferent character. Although this error results in a line assembledwith the wrong matrix, in most instances the machine would not duplicatethe error if the line was reassembled. A serious machine malfunctionwhich would justify shutting down the machine is only indicated when aparticular line cannot be assembled correctly after a number ofattempts.

The potential advantages of complete automatic control of a line castingmachine cannot be realized unless the slug of type delivered to thestorage galley is error free. In accordance with the present invention,a control system for a line casting machine is provided which comparesthe assembled matrixes with information representing the desiredcharacters.

A principal object of this invention is to provide a control system foreliminating errors ina line casting machine.

Another object of this invention is to provide a control system whichcompares the actual character of a released matrix with the characterdesired. 1

One feature of this invention is the provision of a control system whichautomatically prevents an assembled line of matrixes from being castwhen an error is detected.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a control systemwhich automatically reassembles a line of matrixes when an error isdetected in an assembled line.

Yet another feature of this invention is the provision of a controlsystem for a line casting machine in which the actual character of eachassembled matrix is compared with the character selected. If thecompared characters are identical, the slug of type is cast. If thecharacters do not compare, the assembled matrixes are disposed of andthe line is reset.

Still another feature of this invention is the provision of a controlsystem for a line casting machine in which individual matrixes are codedwith digital information representative of the character thereof. Adigital reading system is located along the path between the assemblingmechanism and the casting mechanism. The digital information on eachmatrix is read simultaneously as that matrix is conveyed along the pathpast a light source and a light sensitive signal generating means.

Yet a further feature of this invention is the provision of a controlsystem for a line casting machine in which a tape reading machinegenerates signals representative of selected characters on a programtape. which control the assembly of matrixes by the machine, are storedin a memory unit. Each matrix has indicia thereon representative of itsactual character. Signals representative of the indicia on assembledmatrixes is compared with the signals stored in the memory. If thecompared signals are not identical, the assembled line of matrixes isdiscarded and the line is reassembled autom-atically.

Further features and advantages of this invention will be apparent fromthe following specification and from the drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a diagrammatic perspective representation of a linecastingmachine, including a portion of the applicants control system;

FIGURE 2 is a block diagram of a control system embodying the invention;

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of a pair of matrixes, having indiciathereon according to the invention;

FIGURE 4 is a perspective diagram, partly in section, illustrating thephoto transistor system for reading indicia on an assembled line ofmatrixes;

FIGURE 5 is a block diagram illustrating the control system in moredetail;

FIGURES 6 to 9 are detailed schematic diagrams of the logical circuitryrepresenting the portions of the systern indicated by broken lines inFIGURE 5;

FIGURE 10 is a diagram illustrating the time relation between varioustiming signals in the circuit of FIGURE 6; and

FIGURE 11 is a diagram illustrating the time relation between certainother timing signals utilized in the system.

While an illustrative embodiment of the invention is shown by thedrawing and will be described in detail herein, the invention issusceptible of embodiment in several different forms, and it should beunderstood that the present disclosure is to be considered as anexemplifi- These signals,

U I cation of the principles of the invention and is not intended tolimit the invention to'the embodiment illustrated. The scope of theinvention will be pointed out in the appended claims.

General operation In FIGURE 1, a line casting (LC) machine 20 isdiagrammatically illustrated. One or more magazines 21 store individualmatrixes or mats 22, from which a slug of type is cast by the machine.Matrixes 22 are stored by magazine 21 in individual channels 24representative of individual characters. Matrixes may be selected forassembly in a line by the depression of keys 25 on a keyboard 26.

The selection of a character, either by a manual depression of anindividual key 25, or by an automatic operation which duplicates keyactuation, causes a mat to be released from the corresponding channel 24in magazine 21. The released mat falls along guide 28 onto a movingassembler belt 29. At the lower end of belt 29, the mats are assembledin a line on an assembling elevator mechanism 30.

The depression of a spaceband (SB) key 32 releases a spaceband 33 fromspaceband box 34. The falling spaceband is then assembled with thematrixes by assembling mechanism 30.

After a complete line of matrixes and spacebands has been assembled,elevator lever 36 is either manually or automatically operated to causeassembling elevator to raise the assembled line to a vertical positioncorresponding to the level of a delivery slide 37. The assembled line isthereafter moved generally horizontally by slide 37 and transferred to afirst elevator 38.

At first elevator 38, the assembled line is lowered to a castingposition in front of a mold disc 40. After the assembled line isjustified, molten metal is forced from a slot 41 into the casting edgeof the assembled matrixes.

After the metal cools, first elevator 38 raises the assembled line to avertical position level with a slide 42. The assembled line 'is conveyedonto a hand 43 of a second elevator 44, which at this time is level withslide 42.

While the assembled line is being conveyed to second elevator 44, molddisc rotates to a position where a slug ejector forces the cast slug 46out of slot 41 into a slide 47. At the bottom of slide 47, the slugs arestacked in a galley 48 before being removed for the printing operation.

Line casting machine 20 also disassembles the assembled line of matrixesand distributes the matrixes to the proper storage locations. An arm 50raises hand 43 of second elevator 44 and the matrixes to the level of adistributing mechanism 51. The spacebands 33, Which have no teeth, donot cling to hand 43, but remain at the level of slide 42. A metalfinger (not illustrated) engages the spacebands and transfers them totheir storage location in spaceband box 34. The individual 'matrixeshave teeth 52,. seen in FIGURE 3, located along a V- shaped opening atthe top of each matrix. cling by teeth 52 to a bar in-distributingmechanism 51. A screw arrangement conveys these ma'trixes down the barand along the tops of channels 24 in the magazine. Different teeth onthe bar are cut'away at each channel entrance. When an individual matrixreaches the channel corresponding to its character, the matrix is nolonger supported by its teeth, andit falls into its channel.

The foregoing description outlines the usual operation of a line castingmachine. More detailed information regarding the machine and itsoperation is available from many sources. See for example, LinotypeMachine Principles, copyright 1940 by the Mergenthaler Linotype Company,Brooklyn, New York.

As previously explained, the matrixes and spacebands assembled inassembling elevator 30 may have errors due to a variety of causes. Thecontrol system described The matrixes hereinafter modifies the aboveseries of operations when an assembled line has an'error.

General control system In FIGURE 2, a block diagram of the controlsystem is illustrated. Control information for the line caster isprovided as in the form of a punched paper tape. .A tape reader 55 has aplurality of output signals, usually digital in form, representative ofa character on the punched paper tape. The output signals from tapereader 55 are converted by a decoder unit 56 into character drop commandsignals which are coupled to line casting machine 20. Each key mechanismon the keyboard of the machine is connected to a solenoid energized bythe drop command signal corresponding to thecharacter of that key. Theenergized solenoid actu'ates the key mechanism, releasing thecorresponding mat from the storage magazine.

In accordance with the present invention, the outputs from tape reader55 and decoder 56 are also coupled to a memory 57. As line casting.machine 20 assembles mats 22 in a line, information identifying thecharacters for that line is stored by memory 57.

Each mat carries indicia for identifying the character of the mat. Asthe assembled line of mats are conveyed to the casting mechanism, theypass an optical mat reader 59 located along the conveying path. Forexample, the optical mat reader may be located along delivery slide 37at position 59', illustrated by broken lines in FIGURE 1.

Reader 59 generates a character identity signal representative of theindicia on the mats conveyed thereby. This signal is coupled to acomparison circuit 60.

Each of the character identity signals from reader 59 is compared withthe corresponding character identity signal from memory 59. A COMPAREsignal is generated each time these two signals match, indicating thatthe assembled character is identical with the selected character. Thelast COMPARE signal causes the assembled mats to be cast into a slug oftype.

If the two signals from reader 59 and memory 57 do not match, a COMPAREsignal is generated. This signal blocks the cast mechanism to prevent aslug from being formed from the assembled mats.-

The COMPARE signal is also coupled to reader 55 and to a reject counter61. This signal causes tape reader 55 to reverse (REV) direction andreturn to the start of the line in which the error occurred. The tapereader stops at this point, and rewards the line in a forward direction,causing the line of mats to be reassembled by machine 20. The GOA [Pmsignal also causes the first unsuccessful attempt to assemble anerror-free line to be registered by reject counter 61.

As the reassembled line of mats is conveyed past reader 59, the indiciathereon are again compared with the signals stored in memory 57. If thereassembled line has no errors, the line is cast and a new line set.However, if the line again has an error, the COMPARE signal causes thesecond unsuccessful attempt to be registered by reject counter 61.Furthermore, the assembled line is not cast, and another attempt ismade.

After a predetermined number, as three, of unsuccessful attempts toassemble a line, reject counter 61 generates a stop signal which shutsdown the system.

While the control system is especially advantageous when used inconjunction with a tape controlled line caster, it is not to be limitedto such use, but may also be used with a manual input machine. Forexample, manual depression of a key on machine 20 can generate thecharacter identity'sig'nal 'stored'in memory 57.

7 Matrix coding system In FIGURE 3, one specific embodiment of indiciasuitable for coding individual matrixes 22 is illustrated. On thecasting side of the matrix, two casting edges 65 have indentedcharacters therein for casting the slug of type. Two edges 65 are oftenprovided on each matrix, carrying two styles of the same character.These matrixes may be assembled either along the upper or lower rail 'byassembling elevator 30, to form a continuous casting edge. In FIGURE 3,matrix 22' is illustrated in the upper rail position, and the othermatrix 22 in the lower rail position.

On the reference side 66 of the matrixes, conventional referencemarkings 67 are provided to identify the character of the matrix. Inaddition to marking 67, indicia 69 are provided whichfurther identifythe character of the matrix.

Indicia 69 are formed from a plurality of bits arranged m a digitalcode. Each bit has two possible conditions, e.g., 0 or 1, indicated bythe presence or absence of a light reflective dot. The reflective codemay be formed from dots of white paint carried on a dull finishedsurface of side 66. Each individual matrix is coded with indicia 69which uniquely identifies the character thereon. The spaceband need notbe so identified.

The extent of the code alongside 66 is less than the space betweenrails. As a result, the bits forming indicia 69 do not overlap whenadjacent matrixes are assembled along the upper and lower rail, asillustrated in FIG- URE 3.

In FIGURE 4, the optical mat reader 59 is illustrated. An assembled lineof matrixes 22 is conveyed by delivery slide mechanism 37 through adelivery channel 71 toward mold disc 40. A portion 72 of channel 71 iscut away, allowing the reference side of the assembled matrixes to beviewed by reader 59.

A plurality of photo transistors 74 are mounted between vertical plates75. This structure is contained within a light-tight housing 75,illustrated in FIGURE 4 with the cover removed, attached by a flange 77to the linecasting machine. A lens assembly 79 extends through the wallof housing 76 and into close proximity with open portion 72 of thedelivery channel.

Two light sources 80 project a light beam through portion 72 and againstthe reference side of the line of matrixes conveyed through channel 71.A lens 81 is located at one end of assembly 79.

As each matrix passes lens 81, an image of the indicia thereon isfocused against photo transistors 74. Each photo transistor correspondsto a particular bit location, or channel, along the reference side ofthe matrix, and generates a signal if a dot is present. Due to inversionin the lens system, the upper group of photo transistors 74 generatessignals corresponding to the indicia on matrixes assembled along thelower rail. Conversely, the lower group of photo transistors 74 forms asignal corresponding to the indicia on matrixes assembled along theupper rail. A plurality of electrical conductors 84 couple these signalsto the other circuitry of the control system.

Detailed control system The following conventions will be usedthroughout the remaining figures to identify basic logical blocks. ORgates are indicated by triangles, while AND gates are indicated bysemicircles. A rectangle with an N indicates a NOT gate, which invertsthe polarity of the digital pulse coupled thereto. Rectangles labeledwith a D indicate delay gates, which provide different delay times asdisclosed in the specification. The DELAY units may be formed fromunistable multivibrators, providing single shot time delay. Rectangleslabeled F.F. are flipfio-ps which are set by a pulse on an input line Sand reset by a pulse on an input line R. The remaining rectanglesperform the operations indicated by their legends. A heavily shaded linewith a circle therearound indicates a plurality of conductorsinterconnecting the blocks illustrated. The majority of these linescarry digital signals indicative of a specific character. A lightlyshaded line indicates a single electrical conductor which carriesvarious timing or information pulses.

In FIGURE 5, a detailed block diagram of the control system isillustrated. Digital information which identifies the characters to beassembled by the linecasting machine is contained on a program tape 87which is read by tape reader 55. A typical program tape has continuoustape feed holes 88 punched down the center of the tape. Each characteris identified by a plural channel, or bit, digital code 89 punchedacross the width of the tape in line with each tape feed hole 88.

A plurality of output lines 90, one for each channel on the tape, havesignals thereon indicating the presence or absence of a hole along thewidth of tape being read at that instant by reader 55. These digitalsignals on lines 99 are coupled to decoder 56 which energizes thecorresponding solenoid for releasing a matrix from the magazine. Lines90 are also coupled to the input of memory 57, which stores the digitalsignal being read.

The apparatus within broken lines 92 generates a signal which causes thetape reader 55 to step the program tape in a forward (FWD) direction anddirects the character information on lines 90 into separate storagelocations in memory 57. The digital output signal, coupled to decoder56, also causes the corresponding matrixes to be released from themagazine and assembled in the assembling elevator.

An elevate code is punched in the paper tape at the end of each line ofcharacters to be assembled by machine 20. After the control system stepsthe tape past the last character in a line, the elevate code is read byreader 55, producing an elevate digital signal on output lines 90 whichis stored in the last storage location in memory 57. At the same time,decoder 56 identifies the elevate command, and generates an outputsignal on a line 93, seen in the lower left hand corner of FIGURE 5.

The apparatus generally within dotted lines 95 is responsive to theoutput signal on line 93 to stop tape reader 55 from further movement,and also to couple the elevate signal to the elevate solenoid 96 in thelinecasting machine. The energization of solenoid 96 causes theassembling elevator to raise the assembled line of matrixes to the levelof the delivery channel. At the same time, the first character signalstored by memory 57 is unloaded on a plurality of memory output lines97.

Once elevate solenoid 96 is energized, the line casting machineautomatically conveys the assembled line of. mats to the castingposition. As the assembled line is conveyed along the delivery channel,the first assembled mat passes the optical mat reader, causing phototransistors 74 to generate an output signal on conductors 84. Theapparatus contained within dotted lines 98 couples the read indiciasignal on lines 84 to the comparison portion of the control system.

Comparison circuit 60, which includes the apparatus contained withindashed lines 100, compares the signal from the photo transistors withthe first character signal on memory output lines 97. If these twosignals match, a COMPARE signal is generated on a line 101. The COMPAREsignal causes the next character signal stored in memory 57 to becoupled to output lines 97. This operation occurs during the period oftime it takes a single matrix to pass slot 82 (seen in FIGURE 4) on theoptical mat reader.

As the next assembled matrix passes photo transistors 74, another signalrepresentative of the indicia is generated and coupled to comparisoncircuit 60. If this indicia signal matches the new signal now on lines97. a COMPARE signal is again generated. Each COMPARE signal steps thenext succeeding digital signal stored in memory 57 to the comparisoncircuit 60. The COM- PARE signal generated by the last assembled matrix,steps the elevate signal out of memory 57. The stored elevate signalactuates a cast solenoid 102 in the linecasti'ng machine, causing a slugto be cast from the line 7 i of matrixes. The stored elevate signal alsorestarts tape reader 55 in the forward direction, causing the next lineof characters to be assembled by the machine.

If the indicia signal read by photo transistors 74 is not identical withthe character signal on memory output lines 97, indicating an error inthe assembled line, a COMPARE (NOT COMPARE) signal is generated on line104. The OOH 1 L111 signal clears all the remaining signals stored inmemory 57, and causes ta-pe reader 55 to reverse direction. The controlsystem drives the program tape backwards until the start of the lineassembled with an error is reached. At this time, the tape is drivenforward, causing the line to be assembled again by the linecastingmachine.

Since memory 57 has been cleared, no ELEVATE signal is produced on lines97, and cast solenoid 102 is not energized. The linecasting machineautomatically positions the assembled line in front of the mold disc,however, no slug is cast. At the end of the period of time necessary tocast a slug, the linecasting machine automatically conveys the assembledline to the distributing mechanism, returning the individual matrixes totheir storage positions.

Reject counter 61 counts this unsuccessful attempt to assemble a linewithout error, as indicated by the COM- PARE signal on line 104. Afterthe third unsuccessful attempt is counted, a third REJECT signal on aline 165 shuts down the linecasting machine. If one of the attempts toreassemble the line is successful, anerrorfree slug is cast, the countin reject counter 61 is cleared, and the control system assembles thenext line of characters on the program tape.

The specific operation of the circuit of FIGURE 5 will now be describedin detail. It will be assumed that tape reader 55 is stopped, and thepreceding line has been assembled without an error. At this time, aswill be explained in more detail below, a pulse is coupled through an ORgate 198, in the upper left hand corner of FIG- URE 5, to AND gates 11l9and 110. One input of AND gates 11)), 110 is energized by an output onthe START line of a flip flop 112. The second input of AND 110 isenergized by a signal on the FWD line of a flip flop 113. The secondinput of AND 109 is not energized. As a result, the pulse from OR 1118passes through AND 110 to the FWD input of tape reader 55, stepping theprogram tape to the next feed hole, i.e., the first code for the line tobe assembled.

This stepping motion produces a negative-going feed role pulse which iscoupled from tape reader 55 to a pulse inverting NOT gate 115. Theoutput pulse from NOT 115 is coupled to a pair of DELAY units 116 and117. The output from DELAY 116, on line 11%, produces a STROBE signal.Since flip flop 113 has an FWD output, the STROBE signal passes throughan AND gate 1211, producing a FUNC GATE signal.

The feed hole signal also passes through DELAY 117, and a NOT gate 121for inverting its polarity, to an AND gate 122. Since the FWD signal andthe'STROBE signal are also present at this time on the other inputs ofAND 122, a CHAR STROBE signal is generated if a m? signal is present. a

The FITNO signal is derived from function block 124, located withindotted lines 94. The block 124 represents the function outputs fromdecoder 56. While the program tape remains at the first tape feed hole,a continuous digital output signal is obtained on lines 90. This digitalsignal may represent either a char-acter to be assembled,

8 from AND 120, to a pair of OR gates 125 and 126. OR 125 therefore hasan output signal, FUNC DRIVE. However, assuming the present digitalsignal represents a character,the absence of an output from OR 126,coupled through a NOT gate 127, causes a signal to be present(indicating a character signal).

Returning to AND 122, the presence of the FUNO signal allows the gate topass a CHAR STROBE signal. This signal is delayed by a DELAY unit 128,in the upper left hand corner of FIGURE 5, and thereafter simultaneouslypassed to OR gate 108 and to an AND gate 129. Since a NOT gate 130normally has an output signal present on the other input of AND 129, aCHAR signal is formed. NOT 130 receives an input signal, and henceblocks AND 129, only when the tape reader indicates a sprocket hole ispresent without an additional information code, to prevent a tape feedsignal without character or function information from being loaded intothe memory.

The CHAR signal is coupled through an OR gate 132 associated with memory57 to the load input of the memory, causing memory 57 to load thedigital signal present at this time on lines 90. Thus, the digitalsignal on each of the six channels of the program tape is stored in thefirst memory position.

The signal at OR 108 is passed during this same time through AND 110 tothe FWD input of tape reader 55, driving the program tape forward to thenext tape feed hole. The above described cycle of operation is nowrepeated, i.e., the tape feed signal causes the character signal now onlines to be loaded into a new storage position in the memory, andthereafter steps the tape to the next hole. In this manner, eachcharacter signal is stored by the memory and at the same time coupled todecoder 56, causing the corresponding matrix to be dropped from thestorage magazine and assembled by the machine.

When the digital signal on lines 90 represents a func tion, there is noFUN 0 output of NOT 127 and a FUNC DRIVE signal from OR 125 is generatedinstead. The absence of the FUNO signal blocks AND 122, preventing theCHAR STROBE signal from being generated.

Assuming for example that the function indicates that a spaceband SE isto be dropped, function block 124 has an SB signal output. This signalis passed through a DELAY unit 133 to cause the FUNC DRIVE signal to begenerated. The SB signal is also coupled to OR 132 in the LOAD input ofmemory 57, causing the digital signal on lines 90, representative of aspaceband, to be loaded into the memory.

The FUNC DRIVE signal is coupled through an OR gate 134, in the upperleft hand portion of FIGURE 5, to OR 108. This signal takes the place ofthe CHAR STROBE signal, and in a similar manner now passes through ANDto the FWD input of tape reader 55. It is thus noted that when afunction is present, the signal which drives the tape reader forwardfollows a different path from that followed when a character signal ispresent. This is necessary because the linecasting machine mechanicallyhandles the function signal in a different manner, and the time periodwhich must occur before the machine can handle a new command isdifferent.

After the program tape has been stepped through a complete line andloaded in memory 57, the last character or function in the line drivesthe tape forward to the next tape hole position, which contains theelevate (EL) code. Tape reader 55 generates a digital signal on lines90, which is passed todecoder 56 to produce an elevate signal on line93, in the lower left hand corner of FIGURE 5. At the same time, thetape feed hole generates the STROBE signal, which in conjunction withthe signal on line 93 is gated through an AND gate 136. The output ofAND 13-6, called ELEVATE, is coupled to OR 126, preventing the FUNCsignal from being generated. This in turn blocks AND 122, preventing theCHAR STROBE signal from being generated. It should be observed thatELEVATE is coupled only to OR 126, and not to OR 125. As a result, noFUNC DRIVE signal is generated. Since neither the CHAR STROBE or FUNCDRIVE signal is present at OR 108, no signal is passed to the drivinginputs of tape reader 55, and the program tape remains stopped.

The output from AND 136 also passes through an AND gate 137, since theFWD signal is present, producing an output on a line 138. A portion ofthis output is coupled to OR 132 causing the elevate digital signal onlines 90 to be loaded into the memory.

The output on line 138 is also coupled to a delay unit 139 for producingan EL signal after the period of time necessary to load' the memory haselapsed. The EL signal is coupled to an OR gate 141 associated with acounter input of memory 57. A signal on the counter input resets theinternal memory counter, which has stepped the incoming digital signalsto the correct positions in the memory, in anticipation of the memoryreadout operation.

Another portion of the EL signal is coupled through a DELAY unit 142,producing a signal which actuates the elevate solenoid 96 in thelinecasting machine. As a result, the assembled line of matrixes isconveyed toward the casting mechanism.

The output signal from DELAY 142 is also coupled to an OR gate 143associated with an unload input of memory 57. This signal causes thefirst digital signal stored in the memory to be unloaded on memoryoutput lines 97, awaiting the passing of the first matrix past phototransistors 74.

As the first assembled matrix is conveyed past the optical mat reader,signals are generated on lines 84 representative of the digital code onthe matrix. If the matrix is correct, this code is identical with thecode on the program tape for that character, and hence identical withthe digital signal on line 97 at this time. Lines 84 are coupled to asquarer unit 45 for reshaping the pulses from the photo transistors.

In addition to the six channel indicia on each matrix, labeled channelsthrough 5, an additional channel which always carries a dot is providedto indicate when each matrix is in front of the photo transistors. Thesquarer output corresponding to this channel passes to a CHANNEL 6 block146, which opens a gate 147 connected to the output of squarer 145. As aresult, the digital indicia signal passes to a register 149 which storesthe indicia signal.

The output from gate 147 is also coupled through an OR gate 150 to aDELAY unit 151 for producing timing signals. One output from DELAY 151is used to reset CHANNEL 6 block 146, thereby closing gate 147. Anotheroutput, on a line 152, is coupled to a comparison unit 154 forcharacters, and a related SB compare unit 155 for spacebands.

Comparison unit 154 compares the digital signal from register 149 withthe digital signal on memory output line 97. If corresponding parts ofthe signals match, a signal is passed to an output line 156.

It will be recalled that the spacebands are not coded with indicia. Thereference side of the spacebands are highly polished and reflect lightback to all the photo transistors. For this reason, the digital signalfrom register 149 does not match the signal on lines 97 if a space-bandis present, and no output is produced on line 156.

The output lines 97 which carry a signal when a spaceband is present areconnected through a plurality of lines M to SB compare unit 155. Theoutput lines of register 149 which have a signal when a spaceband ispresent are similarly connected to SB compare unit 155. When all theinput lines to unit 155 have the correct signals thereon, an outputsignal is produced on a line 157,

indicating a spaceband is present in the proper position in theassembled line.

The signal on line 156, indicating a character comparison, or the signalon line 157, indicating a spaceband comparison, is passed by OR gate160, forming a COM- PARE signal on line 101. This COMPARE signal iscoupled to an OR gate 161 for resetting register 149. A portion of theCOMPARE signal is also coupled to OR 143 of memory 57, thereby unloadingthe next stored digital signal onto output lines 97.

As the next assembled matrix passes the photo transistors, the abovedescribed operation is repeated. After each COMPARE signal, register 149is reset, and the next stored digital signal is connected to comparisonlock 154.

After the read indicia signal on the last assembled matrix matches thestored digital signal, the COMPARE signal unloads the last storageposition containing the elevate signal on output lines 97. Since eachstorage position in memory 57 has been unloaded, the memory is nowclear. A plurality of lines connects the lines 97 having a signal whenelevate is present to an AND gate 163. The output signal from AND 163energizes cast solenoid 102, causing the assembled line of matrixes tobe cast into a slug by the line casting machine.

The output signal from AND 163, which is invented by a NOT gate 164,interrupts the normally continuous output signal of NOT 164, labeledGOOD LINE. A portion of the GOOD LINE signal is coupled to OR 141 ofmemory 57, thereby resetting the memory counter. Another portion iscoupled to OR 134, in the upper left portion of FIGURE 5, producing apulse which travels through OR 100 and AND to tape reader 55, therebydriving the previously stopped program tape forward to the firstcharacter on the next line to be assembled.

If the line of assembled matrixes has an error, no signal is obtained oneither lines 156 or 157, and hence no signal exists on line 101. As aresult, a NOT gate 165, coupled to line 101, has an output signal whichis coupled to an AND gate 166. AND gate 166 is also coupled to the GOODLINE signal, and to a timing signal T from delay unit 151. Signal T ispresent at the same time when a COMPARE signal would normally occur online 101. As a result, signal T gates the output from NOT 165 to line104, producing a COMPARE signal. Reject counter 61, coupled to line 104,counts the number of times the signal occurs.

The COMPARE signal is coupled to the clear input and to OR 141 of thememory. The presence of this signal resets the internal counter, andclears all the remaining storage positions in memory 57. Since theelevate signal stored in memory 57 is cleared, no output signal isobtained from AND 163, thereby preventing the energization of castsolenoid 102. The assembled matrixes are automatic-ally conveyed by theline casting machine to the cost position. However, no metal is forcedinto the casting edge, and no slug is formed. After the period of timenecessary to cast has elapsed, the line casting machine automaticallyconveys the assembled matrixes to the distributing mechanism, where theyare returned to the individual channels 24.

The COMPARE signal is coupled to flip flop 113, interrupting the FWDsignal and producing a REV signal, coupled to AND 109. The interruptionof the normally present FWD signal appears as a pulse to OR 134, whichpasses the pulse to OR 108. Since AND 110 is now blocked, the pulse fromOR 108 passes through AND 109 to the REV input of tape reader 55,driving the program tape backward to the preceding tape feed hole. Thepreceding hole now produces a feed hole signal, delayed by DELAY 116 toform the STROBE signal. Since no FWD signal is present, AND gates 120and 122 are blocked. The STROBE signal passes through an AND gate 168,in the left hand portion of FIGURE 5, due to 1 1 the presence of the REVsignal. This pulse is passed through OR gates 134 and 108, again drivingtape reader 55 backward. The above described operation isself-sustaining, causing the program tape to back up toward the start ofthe line assembled with an error.

Tape reader 55 is driven backward past the first character in the lineto be reassembled, to the coded elevate signal at the end of thepreceding line. The ELEVATE signal is coupled by decoder 56 to line 93,and is gated through AND 136 by the STROBE signal. The ELE- VATE signalfrom AND 136 is blocked at AND 137, since the FWD signal is not presentat this instance.

The ELEVATE signal is coupled to flip flop 113, causing the FWD signalto be generated just after the ELE- VATE signal ceases at AND 137.However, before flip flop 113 changes states, the STROBE signal is gatedthrough AND 168. While the pulse from AND 168 is traveling through ORgates 134 and 108, flip flop 113 changes state, and AND 110 is againenergized by the FWD signal. Therefore, this pulse passes through AND110, driving tape reader 55 forward to the first character. The line ofcharacters is now assembled and compared in the same manner aspreviously described for a new line.

If the reassembled line has no errors, cast solenoid 102 is energized,and the interrupted GOOD LINE signal resets reject counter 61. If anerror is detected, the control system again rewinds the tape andassembles the line. If the third attempt to assemble the line without anerror fails, the output from reject counter 61, coupled through a NOTgate 169, interrupts a 3rd REJECT signal on line 155. Thi interruptedsignal appears as a pulse to an OR gate 170, in the left hand portion ofFIGURE 5. The output from OR 170 causes flip flop 112 to change states,producing a STOP signal which shuts down the line casting machine.

In FIGURES 6 to 9, the detailed logical circuitry corresponding to theapparatus within dotted lines 92, 94, 93 and 100, respectively, isillustrated.

Detailed logic circuitry In FIGURE 6, the logic circuitry within dottedlines 92 in FIGURE 5 is illustrated in more detail. The various driveand timing signals used in conjunction with tape reader 55 areillustrated in FIGURE 10.

The negative going TAPE FEED HOLE pulse A from tape reader 55 isinverted B by NOT 115. This signal is coupled to an AND gate 175. Theother input to AND 175, the tape reader brake switch signal, indicatesthat tape reader 55 is operating properly. The output from AND 175 iscoupled to a DELAY unit 176, producing an output, C, coupled to DELAYunits 116 and 117. The output from DELAY 116 is the STROBE signal, D.

The output from DELAY 117 is inverted by NOT 121, producing a positivegoing signal, 13, which prevents the CHAR STROBE signal from beinggenerated at the beginning of the STROBE signal. When a function ispresent, the FUNC signal F is positive going, for preventing the CHARSTROBE signal from being generated.

The CHAR STROBE signal D is coupled to DELAY unit 128. One output fromDELAY 128, on a line 178, serves as a CHARACTER GATE signal, G. Thissignal is coupled to an input of AND gate 179, for passing the CHARACTERDROP COMMAND signal from decoder 56 to the corresponding drop matsolenoid 180 in the line casting machine. While only one AND gate 179and one drop mat solenoid 1 80 are illustrated in FIGURE 6, it will berealized that these components are provided for each character outputfrom decoder 56.

Decoder 56 is coupled to the output lines 90 from tape reader 55,composed of channels through and their corresponding negations and has aseparate output for each character and function.

The CHAR STROBE signal, FIGURE IOHA, is de- 12 layed by DELAY 128,producing on another output line 182 a pulse, FIGURE IOHB, coupled toAND 129. This produces the CHAR signal for loading memory 57.

When the CHARACTER GATE signal, G, has terminated, DELAY 128 has a CHARDRIVE signal output, J, on a third output line 183. The CHA-R DRIVEsignal is delayed by a DELAY unit 184, producing a CHAR DRIVE DELAYsignal, K, which is coupled to OR 108. The output from OR 108 is delayedby a DELAY unit 185, producing a DELAY signal, M, which is finallycoupled to AND gates 109 and 110 for stepping the tape reader to thenext feed hole, again producing a sprocket TAPE FEED HOLE pulse, A.

If the coded digital signal represents a function, the FUNCTION signal,F, blocks AND 122, preventing signals 10HA, HE, G, I, and K, from beinggenerated. Instead, the STROBE signal coupled to AND produces the FUNCGATE signal for energizing the function circuitry. A FUNC DELAY signal,NA, is generated by the function circuitry, immediately preceding thetermination of ST ROBE signal D. As previously explained, this producesthe FUNC DRIVE signal coupled to OR 134 in FIGURE 6. The output from OR134 is connected to a DELAY unit 187, producing a FUNC or REV DRIVEDELAY signal, NB. This signal is coupled to OR 108, producing the DELAYsignal M, already described. As is apparent from FIGURE 10, tape reader55 is stepped to the next feed hole in a shorter period of time when afunction is present. This is possible because no matrix is dropped bysolenoid 180, allowing the time delay periods caused by mechanicallimitations in the line casting machine to be eliminated.

Between the drive inputs to tape reader 55 and the AND gates 109 and110, a pair of NOT gates 188 and 189 are inserted to invert the polarityof the driving pulse. A line 190 having an output signal F thereon isconnected between AND 110 and NOT 189. Output F is coupled to memory 57.

The COMPARE signal is coupled to flip flop 113 through an OR gate 192.An AUX REV signal, provided from a push button (not illustrated) formanually reversing the tape reader, is also coupled to OR 192.

The ELEVATE signal, for resetting flip flop 113 to its FWD output, iscoupled through an OR gate 193. An AUX FWD signal for manuallyrestarting the tape reader in a forward direction is similarly coupledto OR 193.

Both AUX signals are coupled to OR gate 194 which resets flip flop 112to its START state. OR gate is coupled to safety interlock switches onthe line casting machine for generating the STOP signal from flip flop112. The STOP signal is coupled to OR 134, and causes a pulse to begenerated when the stopped machine is manually restarted, in a mannersimilar to that previously described for the FWD signal input to OR 134.

In FIGURE 7, the function and memory circuitry contained within thedotted lines 94 of FIGURE 5 are illustrated in detail. Magnetic corememory 57 has eight channel inputs. The first six channels, labeled 0through 5, are from tape reader 55. The bottom channel, labeled LR, isderived from the function circuitry, and indicates whether the lower orupper rail of the selected matrix is to be aligned. The top channel,labeled SH, is also derived from the function circuitry, and indicateswhether the character selected is shifted or unshifted. The shiftedcharacters, as upper case characters, which are stored in a separatemagazine, have the same indicia code as unshifted characters, with theaddition of a dot.

Memory 57 has two outputs for each input, the second output being thenegation of the input. In addition to the memory unload, load, clear andcounter inputs, a reset register input is provided. As the signal fromeach storage position is stepped out of the memory, a bank of lightsindicates the exact digital code on the output lines. These lightsremain lit even when the control system and line casting machine areshut down after the third unsuccessful attempt to reassemble a line, toaid an operator in determining the exact nature of the error. Inputsignal F on line 190 clears this visual register when tape reader 55 isdriven forward. Memory 57 by itself is a conventional unit. A suitablemagnetic core memory for the control system is model GOMSC, manufacturedby Indiana General Corp, Valparaiso, Indiana.

The function circuitry 124 is formed from a plurality of AND gates 196.These gates are a part of the output circuitry of decoder 56. Whenopened by the FUNC GATE signal, a single output signal from one AND 196is obtained depending on the exact function read at that instant.

The outputs corresponding to the upper rail (UR) and lower rail (LR) arerespectively coupled through delay units 197 and 198 to a flip flop 200.The LR output from flip flop 200 is connected with the LR input ofmemory 57. The UR output of the flip flop is connected to the linecasting machine, in order to assemble the selected matrix on its upperrail. DELAY units 197 and 198 are also coupled to an OR gate 201. Theoutput signal from OR 201, through a DELAY gate 202, is coupled to OR125 for producing the FUNC DRIVE signal.

The shift and unshift outputs are connected to a flip flop 204. Theshift output of the flip flop is coupled to an AND gate 205 connectedwith the SH input of memory 57. The shift and unshift outputs of flipflop 204 are also connected to the line casting machine, for controllingthe magazine from which the selected matrix is released.

Certain characters, e.g., comma or period, are identical on the shiftedand unshifted matrixes. The digital dot indicating shift may beeliminated from these specific matrixes by blocking AND 205 when thesesignals are present. For this purpose, the outputs from the decoder foreach of these specific signals are coupled to an OR gate 206. In theabsence of a special character, a NOT gate 207 coupled between OR 206and AND 205 allows the SHIFT signal to pass through AND 205 to thememory 57. When a special character is present, the output signal fromNOT 207 is eliminated, thereby blocking gate 205.

The spaceband output is directly connected to OR 132 on memory 57. Thedelayed spaceband signal, from DELAY units 133, is coupled to ORs 125and 126, and to the spaceband solenoid in the line casting machine.

When the line casting machine is shut down by reject counter 61, it isdesirable to prevent the assembled line from being conveyed to thecasting mechanism, in order to aid the operator in determining thesource of error. For this purpose, an AND gate 209 and an OR gate 210are connected between DELAY 142 and elevate solenoid 96. When the 3rdREJECT signal is removed by the reject counter, AND 209 blocks theELEVATE signal. A MANUAL ELEVATE signal is coupled to OR 210 forenergizing solenoid 96 after the error is determined.

In FIGURE 8, the circuitry within dotted lines 98 of FIGURE 5 isillustrated in detail. Each output line 84 from photo transistors 74 iscoupled to one of a plurality of AND gates 212. The UR and LR signaloutputs from memory 57 are coupled to the AND gates corresponding to theupper and lower rail outputs from the photo transistors. Only one outputline UR or LR has a signal thereon, thereby gating only the channels ofthe corresponding rail to a plurality of OR gates 213. The output fromeach OR 213 is coupled to squarer 145, consisting of a Schmitt triggerfor each channel.

Each matrix carries eight channels of digital information. Channelsthrough correspond to the digital code on the program tape. The sixthchannel carries a dot on each matrix, for opening gate 147. The seventhchannel indicates whether the matrix is shift or unshift.

The Schmitt trigger for channel six has an output coupled to an AND gate215 in channel six circuit 146. The output from AND 215, providing a FWDsignal is prescut, is passed through a polarity reversing NOT gate 216to a flip flop 217.

Gate 147 is formed from an AND gate 218 for each channel carryingidentifying information. One input of AND 218 is coupled to the Schmitttrigger for that channel. The other input is coupled to the output offlip flop 217, for gating the signal from the Schmitt triggers toregister 149 and OR 150 when the channel six signal is received.

Register 149 has a flip flop 220 for each channel. These flip flops arereset by OR 161, which in addition to the EL and COMPARE signal inputspreviously described is also coupled to the REV signal, for resettingregister 149 when an error is detected. 7

The digital output pulses from the photo transistors do not occur atexactly the same time, as indicated by the waveforms adjacent the inputlines of OR 150. The output pulse from OR 150 begins when the firstdigital pulse is received, and terminates at the end of the lastreceived pulse. This timing signal is coupled to DELAY 151, consistingof a pair of DELAY units 221 and 222. The SAMPLE COMPARE signal outputfrom DELAY 221, illustrated in FIGURE 11a, provides a long timing pulsefor opening comparison units 154 and 155 in FIGURE 9. Output line T ofdelay 222 carries a shorter COMPARE delay signal, FIGURE 11b. This samepulse, but positive going as illustrated in FIGURE lid, is coupled tothe reset input of flip flop 217, for closing gate 147.

In FIGURE 9, the circuitry within dotted lines 100 in FIGURE 5 isillustrated in detail. Each of the output lines 97 from memory 57(except channel 6) is connected to one of a plurality of AND gates 224.The output lines from register 149 are each similarly coupled to the ANDgate 224 corresponding to that channel. The negated and unnegated ANDgates 224 for each channel are coupled to one of a plurality of OR gates225. An AND gate 226 has inputs coupled to each OR 225, and to line 152carrying the SAMPLE COMPARE signal, FIGURE 11a. If all the input linesto AND 226 have signals thereon, indicating the indicia on the matrixidentically matches the stored indicia, an output is obtained on line156 at this time.

The spaceband compare circuitry 155 includes a pair of AND gates 228 and229. The input lines of AND 228 are connected to the output lines frommemory 57, defined as M, which all have a signal thereon when thespaceband code is stored. of the invention, the inputs of AND 228 wereconnected to the output lines 97 corresponding to 0, 1, 2, 1 4, and 5.When a signal is present on all of these lines, AND 228 has an outputcoupled to a third AND gate 230.

AND 229 is connected to certain output lines from data register 149.Since the spaceband carries no code, but reflects all light signals, theinputs of AND 229 are connected to the outputs of the data registercorresponding to 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. The output from gate 229 issimilarly coupled to AND 230. When the SAMPLE COMPARE signal, FIGURE11a, is received on line 152, AND 230 passes a signal to line 157,indicating a spaceband compare.

AND 163 has an output when the elevate code is stepped out of memory 57,as previously described. Therefore, the presence of a signal on lines 97corresponding to '0, 1, 2, 4, and 5 (the elevate digital code) producean output MEM EL from AND 163.

The MEM EL output signal is coupled to an AND gate 232 which passes thesignal if certain safety switches on the line casting machine, e.g.,connected to the mold and pump apparatus, indicate that the slug can becast. AND 232 energizes cast solenoid 102. A NOT gate 233 is insertedbetween AND 232 and solenoid 102 for inverting the pulse to a formusable by the cast solenoid.

The MEM EL output is also coupled to NOT 164, the output of which is theGOOD LINE signal.

Line T, carrying the DELAY signal from DELAY 222 of FIGURE 8, is coupledto a DELAY unit 234. The output from this DELAY is the m In one specificembodiment signal, illustrated in FIGURE 11c, which allows AND 166 to begated only during this period of time during which the COMPARE signalshould be present. The output from NOT 165 blocks AND 166 if the COMPAREsignal is present. If the COMPARE signal does not occur after the timeallowed for the various digital signals to pass through the matchingcircuitry, line 104 has a COMPARE signal thereon.

When an ELEVATE signal is stepped out of memory 57, no COMPARE signalshould be formed. To prevent a COMPARE signal from being generated atthis time, AND 166 is also coupled to the GOOD LINE signal, which isinterrupted when the MEM EL signal is detected.

Reject counter 61 is formed from a flip flop counting circuit. The(JUMPER E signal from line 104 is coupled to a single input AND gate236, and an AND gate 237. The outputs from these gates are connected ina conventional counting circuit to flip flops 233 and 239, and OR gates240 and 241. When the first COMPARE signal is detected, flip flop 238has an output which is coupled to a visual indicating light 243. Whenthe second GOM- PARE signal is detected, flip flo 238 is reset and flipflop 239 has an output, coupled to an indicator light 244. When thethird COMPARE signal is received, both flip flops have outputs, whichare passed through an AND gate 245 to NOT 169, for terminating the 3rdREJECT signal on line 105. The GOOD LINE signal is connected to OR 241,for resetting the reject counter when an ELEVATE signal is received.

The control system compares the actual character of each assembledmatrix with each selected character. This sequential character check oneach part of an assembled line allows any of the previously describederrors to be detected. For example, the system detects the assembly oftoo many matrixes, or a single matrix of the wrong character with equalcase. A wrong rail, or a transposed spaceband are still other examplesof dissimilar types of error which the control system eliminates.

We claim:

1. In a line casting machine having matrixes carrying castablecharacters: control means for assembling selected matrixes and casting aslug of type from said selected matrixes; indicia means on each matrixin addition to said castable characters; means for developing a signalrepresentative of said indicia; and means responsive to said signal formodifying the operation of said control means.

2. In a line casting machine having character carrying matrixes: meansfor assembling selected matrixes to form a line and means for casting aslug of type from said selected and assembled matrixes; means for usingcoded information to actuate said machine to select desired charactermatrixes to form a line; means for storing information uniquelyidentifying each selected matrix; and means for comparing the assembledmatrixes with said stored information.

3. The machine of claim 2 including means responsive to said comparingmeans for actuating said casting means if the assembled matrixes agreewith the stored information.

4. In a line casting machine having character carrying matrixes: meansfor assembling selected matrixes to form a line and means for casting aslug of type from said selected and assembled matrixes; means for usingcoded information to actuate said machine to select desired charactermatrixes to form a line; means for storing information identifying theselected matrixes; means for comparing the. assembled matrixes with saidstored information; and means responsive to said comparing means todispose of the assembled matrixes and reset the line if the assembledmatrixes do not agree with the stored information.

5. The line casting machine of claim 4 wherein the means for using thecoded information includes a tape 1S reader and the machine includesmeans to reverse the reader and re-read the tape for the line to bereset.

6. The line casting machine of claim 4 including means for counting theunsuccessful attempts to set a line and for shutting down said machineafter a predetermined number of unsuccessful attempts.

7. In a line casting machine having means for assembling a line ofselected matrixes and program means for controlling said assemblingmeans, a control system comprising: means for detecting an error in saidline; and means responsive to detection of an error by said detectingmeans for causing said line to be reassembled by said program means.

8. The control system of claim 7 including means for counting the numberof times said line is reassembled, and means responsive to apredetermined count in the counting means for shutting down saidmachine.

9. In a line casting machine having means for assembling a line ofselected matrixes, a control system comprising: tape reader means forcontrolling the assembly of said line in response to a program tapemoved in a forward direction; means for detecting an error in the lineof matrixes assembled by said machine; means responsive to said errormeans for causing said tape to be moved in a reverse direction when anerror is detected; means to stop the reverse moving tape when the startof the line assembled with said error is detected; and means to causesaid tape to move forward to reassemble said line.

10. In a line casting machine having a storage area for matrixesrepresentative of characters, means for assembling a line of matrixesselected from the storage area, and galley means for holding printablecharacters, a control system comprising: means for detecting an error inthe line of matrixes assembled by said machine; means for conveying theselected matrixes back to the storage area even though a line ofselected matrixes has an error; and means responsive to detection of anerror by, said detecting means for preventing printable charactersrepresentative of the assembled line conveyed to the casting means fromreaching said galley means.

11. In a line casting machine having means for assembling a line ofselected matrixes, a control system comprising: means for casting a slugof type from a line assembled by said assembling means; means fordetecting an error in the line of matrixes assembled by said machine;means .for conveying the assembled line to said casting means eventhough an error has been detected in the assembled line; and meansresponsive to detection of an error by said detecting means forpreventing the casting of a slug from the assembled line conveyed to thecasting means.

12. In a line casting machine having means for assembling a line ofselected matrixes, a control system comprising: tape reader means forcontrolling the assembly of said line in response to a program tape;means for casting a slug of type from a line assembled by saidassembling means; means for conveying an assembled line to said castingmeans, said tape reader developing an elevate signal at the end of theline for activating said conveying means; means for storing said elevatesignal; and means for connecting the stored elevate signal to saidcasting means when the line of assembled matrixes is without error, saidstored elevate signal actuating said casting means to cast a slug fromtheassembled line.

13. In a line casting machine having a storage area for matrixesrepresentative of characters, means for releasing a matrix from saidstorage area in response to the selection of a character. and programmeans for controlling the selection of characters, a control systemcomprising: means including said program means for producing a firstsignal representative of the selected characters; indicia on each matrixrepresentative of the character thereof; means for developing a secondsignal representative of the indicia on each of the matrixes released bysaid program means; memory means for storing one 1 7 of said first andsecond signals; comparison means for comparing the stored one signalwith the other of said first and second signals; and error means coupledto said comparison means for developing an error signal when said oneand said other signals do not match.

14. The control system of claim 13 including means responsive to saiderror signal for clearing said memory.

15. The control system of claim 13 including means responsive to saiderror signal for reselecting the matrixes assembled with an error.

16. The control system of claim 13 including counting means responsiveto said error signal for recording the unsuccessful attempts to releasematrixes whose character match the selected character. p

17. The control system of claim 13 wherein said comparison meansdevelops a COMPARE signal when the first and second signals match.

18. The control system of claim 17 wherein said memory means stores saidfirst signal in individual locations for each selected character, meansconnecting one of said locations to said comparison means, and saidmemory means being responsive to the COMPARE signal for connecting adifferent storage location to said com arison means.

19. The control system of claim 17 including casting means for forming aslug from an assembled line, and means responsive to the COMPARE signalfor the last selected character in a line for activating said castingmeans.

20. In a line casting machine having assembling means for composing a'line of matrixes representative of selected characters, means forcasting a slug of type from an assembled line; conveying means forcausing said assembled line to move through a path to said castingmeans, and tape reader means for releasing matrixes to said assemblingmeans in response to a program. tape, a control system comprising:indicia on each matrix representative of the character thereof; saidtape reader including means for developing a character signalrepresentative of each character on the program tape; memory meanshaving a plurality of storage positions, each capable of storing saidcharacter signal; gating means for developing a gating signal forstepping each character signal in a line on said tape into differentstorage positions in said memory; start means responsive to the end ofthe line to cause said conveying means to move the assembled linethrough said path; means located along said path for developing anindicia signal representative of the indicia on each of the assembledmatrixes as said conveying means moves the assembled line past saidmeans; and comparison means coupled to said reading means and to one ofsaid storage positions in said memory for developing a COMPARE signalwhen said indicia signal and said character signal are identical, saidCOMPARE signal coupling a different storage position to said comparisonmeans.

21. The control system of claim 20 including spacebands without saidindicia thereon, and special comparison means responsive to a storedcharacter signal representative of a spaceband and the indicia signalproduced by an assembled spaceba-nd for developing said COMPARE signal.

22. The control system of claim 20* including error means connected tosaid comparison means for developing a NOT COMPARE signal when saidindicia signal and said character signal do not match, said memory meansbeing responsive to the NOT COMPARE signal to clear the signals storedin said storage positions.

23. The control system of claim 20 including means responsive to thesignal contained in the last storage position coupled to said comparisonmeans to actuate said gating means, causing the next line on said tapeto be stepped into said memory means.

24. The control system of claim 23 wherein said means responsive to thesignal contained in the last storage position coupled to said comparisonmeans blocks said 1s error means, preventing a NOT COMPARE signal frombeing developed.

2-5. The control system of claim 20' wherein said memory means includesregister means connected to the storage position coupled to saidcomparison means for recording the character signal stored therein, andreset means connected to said register means for clearing the recordedcharacter signal.

26. The control system of claim 25 wherein said reset means is connectedto said gating means, for clearing the recorded character signal whenthe next line on said tape is stepped into said memory means.

27. In a line casting machine having matrixes carrying castab'lecharacters and means for assembling said matrixes along an upper and alower rail, a matrix identification system comprising: a plurality ofbits arranged in a digital code on each matrix, forming unique indiciarepresentative of the character thereof, said bits being formed from thepresence and absence of light reflective areas on said matrix; andoptical reading means mounted on said machine fOI developing a digitalsignal representative of said indicia, including a source of lightlocated to illuminate said indicia, and first and second lightresponsive signal generating means for each bit, said first and saidsecond generating means being grouped to generate a separate digitalsignal for matrixes assembled along said upper and lower railrespectively.

28. In a line casting machine having means for assembling a line ofmatrixes representative of selected characters, and conveying means forcausing said assembled line to move through a path, a matrixidentification system comprising: a plurality of bits arranged to form adigital code on each matrix representative of the character thereof,said matrixes additionally carrying a gating bit; reading means mountedon said machine along said path for developing a digital signalrepresentative of said indicia as the assembled line is conveyedtherepast, including an output line for each bit on said matrixes;gating means connected to each output line carrying a character bitthereon, for blocking the passage of said digital signal; and meansconnected to the output line carrying said gating bit for opening saidgating means when said gating bit is present.

29. The matrix identification system of claim 28 including delay meanscoupled to said gating means, forming a reset signal from the digitalsignal coupled through said gating means, and means responsive to saidreset signal for blocking said gating means.

30. In a line casting machine having a storage area for matrixesrepresentative of characters and means for releasing a matrix from saidstorage area in response to the selection of a character, a controlsystem comprising: means for reading a tape carrying a plurality ofcodes, said codes corresponding to characters and functions to beselected, said tape reading means generating a digital signalrepresentative of the code being read and a strobe signal; decoder meansresponsive to said digital signal for selecting characters and:functions; a memory for storing said digital signals; a characterelectrical sig nal path ttor said strobe signal, for loading saiddigital signal into said memory and driving said tape to the next codethereon after a predetermined time delay; a function electrical signalpath for said strobe signal, responsive to said digital signal whenrepresentative of a function for loading said digital signal into saidmemory and driving said tape to the next code thereon after a functiontime delay different than said predetermined time delay; means forcomparing the stored digital signals with the released matrixes; anderror means responsive to said comparing means for indicating when thereleased matrixes are different from the selected characters.

31. The control system of claim 30 including elevate means responsive toan elevate code at the end of a line of characters and functions on saidtape for blocking both said character and function electrical signalpaths, preventing said tape from being driven to the next code thereon.

32. The control system of claim 31 including means responsive to saidelevate means for connecting the stored digital signals to saidcomparing means.

33. The control system of claim 3-1 including start means responsive tosaid comparing means When the released matrixes are identical with theselected characters for introducing a start pulse in one of saidelectrical signal paths, driving said tape to codes in the next line tobe selected.

34. The control system of claim 31 including reselect means responsiveto said error means for introducing a reselect pulse in at least one ofsaid electrical signal paths, which drives said tape backwards to thestart of the line released with an error.

35. The control system of claim 30' including shift means responsive tosaid decoder means for indicating when the function represents a shiftcommand, and means responsive to said shift means for storing a shiftdigital signal in said memory.

36. The control system of claim 35 including means responsive topredetermined digital signals identified by said decoder means forblocking said shift digital signal, preventing the shift command frombeing stored in said memory.

37. The control system of claim 30 wherein said decoder means has adecoder output signal for selecting characters, gating means coupledbetween said decoder means and said line casting machine for blockingsaid decoder output signal, and means connecting said gating means tosaid character electrical signal path, said strobe signal opening saidgating means for releasing the character corresponding to the code beingread by said tape reading means.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 10/1960Shaffstall 199-18 6/1964 Krause et al. 19918

1. IN A LINE CASTING MACHINE HAVING MATRIXES CARRYING CASTABLECHARACTERS: CONTROL MEANS FOR ASSEMBLING SELECTED MATRIXES AND CASTING ASLUG OF TYPE FROM SAID SELECTED MATRIXES; INDICIA MEANS ON EACH MATRIXIN ADDITION TO SAID CASTABLE CHARACTERS; MEANS FOR DEVELOPING A SIGNALREPRESENTATIVE OF SAID INDICIA; AND MEANS RESPONSIVE TO SAID SIGNAL FORMODIFYING THE OPERATION OF SAID CONTROL MEANS.